News

Toy Industry Awards 2013 winners announced

Published on: January 22nd, 2014

Organised by the British Toy & Hobby Association with the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), the awards were presented at the Science Museum, South Kensington following the first day of the 61st annual Toy Fair.

BTHA Chairman Frank Martin announced the winners of the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards, including a Judges’ Special Recognition Award presented for outstanding achievement in toy retail, which went to Argos.

TRA Chairman Alan Simpson unveiled the Supplier of the Year Awards. The full line up of winners follows:

TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
Independent Toy Retailer of the Year – Ramsdens Superstore
Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (up to 5 stores) – Cuthberts Toys
Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (up to 30 stores) – SMF Toytown
Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (over 30 stores) – Smyths Toys
General Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year – Bentalls (Part of Fenwick Group)
Online Toy Retailer of the Year – Shop Direct
Judges’ Special Recognition Award – Argos

Overall Toy Retailer of the Year

Bentalls (Part of Fenwick Group)

TOY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

Collectable Range Toy of the Year – Robofish by Zuru, Geemac
Action Toy of the Year – Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, Hasbro
Construction Toy of the Year – Friends Dolphin Cruiser, LEGO
Pre-School Toy of the Year – Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station, Vtech
Pre-School License Toy of the Year – Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Bag Set, Flair
Action Game of the Year – Gooey Louie, John Adams
Board Game of the Year – Monopoly Empire, Hasbro
Innovative Toy of the Year – Furby Boom! Hasbro
Outdoor Toy of the Year – Smart Trike, Mookie
Fashion Doll of the Year – Monster High 13 Wishes Dolls, Mattel
Lifestyle Toy of the Year – ChillFactor Squeeze Cup Slushy Maker, Character Options
Supplier of the Year – John Adams Leisure Ltd

Toy of the Year

Teksta Robotic Puppy, Character Options

Frank Martin, Chairman of the BTHA, said: “On behalf of the BTHA, I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s Toy Retailer Awards. The judges had to deliberate long and hard to finalise the retailer shortlists because of the very high standard of entries received. Congratulations must also go to our worthy runners-up who, it should still be remembered, were the best in their categories, and our sincere thanks to everyone for their participation.”

Alan Simpson, Chairman of the TRA, added: “The year was marked by an excellent range of innovations across most sectors of the industry and the sun blessed our outdoor category bringing traditional favourites into the warmth. The continued rapid rise in on-line trading does however threaten many high street retailers whilst a small number of the larger ones gain share. The best suppliers recognise that consumers need access to toys to help their children develop and so support a full range of channels with excellent service and products children enjoy.”

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